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Dee Pridgen

828newsNOW News Editor Dee Pridgen thrives on making sense out of the chaos of a newsroom. She is a graduate of Troy University’s Hall School of Journalism and has more than 35 years’ experience as a reporter and editor.

United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County
Community
1 month ago
United Way honors six at Community Impact Awards in Asheville

Awards recognize volunteer service, education leadership and nonprofit innovation at annual dinner

Business
1 month ago
Whataburger plans Asheville restaurant on Smokey Park Highway

Permit application filed with the city proposes converting the vacant Popeyes fast-food building into a Whataburger with a drive-thru

Rural road curving by trees and a white fence, with a red barn and blue sky in the distance. Mountains on the horizon.
Health & Wellness
1 month ago
Eliada opens counseling center to expand youth mental health care

New Asheville-area facility will offer trauma-informed therapy, equine services and medication management for children and families facing barriers to care

Side-by-side headshots: left a man with a beard and receding hairline in an orange prison shirt; right a smiling woman with light brown hair outdoors.
Crime & Safety
1 month ago
What happens next in the Fairview murder case?

Court hearings are scheduled June 4 in Buncombe County, where Star Grant and Devan Loving face first-degree murder and conspiracy charges

The North Carolina Department of Adult Correction is beginning the gradual closure of Craggy Correctional Center in Asheville
Crime & Safety
1 month ago
Craggy Correctional Center in Asheville to close by late summer

About 250 inmates will be transferred to other prisons while 77 employees are offered jobs elsewhere in Western North Carolina

Map of a town showing a proposed sidewalk route in purple (priority) along a highway, with an existing sidewalk in maroon and blue water features nearby.
Business
1 month ago
Buncombe eyes millions in Helene recovery funds for damaged business corridors

Commissioners to hold first public hearing on proposed Swannanoa sidewalk, cleanup and revitalization projects

Travelers at Asheville Regional Airport will begin using new rental car counters on May 20 as part of the ongoing AVL Forward expansion project
Local
1 month ago
Asheville Regional Airport opens new rental car counters

The relocation is the latest milestone in a multi-year expansion aimed at improving passenger flow and arrivals

Road Closed sign
Local
1 month ago
I-26 East shut down near Asheville after RV fire

Emergency crews urged drivers to avoid the area and follow detours Monday afternoon

Infographic showing a color-coded U.S. rainfall forecast map for the next 7 days, with a drought-intensity legend and a separate drought map, issued May 18, 2026.
Local
1 month ago
Hot, dry start to week in Asheville before scattered storms arrive

National Weather Service says highs will run 7–12 degrees above normal before a weak cold front brings scattered rain chances

Buncombe County Administration Building
Local
1 month ago
Buncombe County sees surge in tax revenue, stable spending

County revenues climb 7.5% as capital projects and solid waste costs continue to grow

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